Jack Hunter, the aide to Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) who spent years as a pro-secessionist activist and radio shock jock, published a statement on his personal website on Tuesday, responding to The Washington Free Beacon article that brought his past to light.

“Today’s article that brought my not-very-hidden radio pundit background to light does not accurately reflect me or my full, or true, views,” Hunter wrote. “The role of a radio host is different from that of a political operative. In radio, sometimes you’re encouraged to be provocative and inflammatory. I’ve been guilty of both, and am embarrassed by some of the comments I made precisely because they do not represent me today. I was embarrassed by some of them even then.”

Hunter argued that the comments highlighted by the Free Beacon on Tuesday were only a “fraction” of years of writing and public speaking about conservative, Tea Party, and libertarian causes.

“I have also written columns over the years promoting African-American history and politics, and many other writings that tell a far different story than what the headlines portray today,” Hunter wrote. “Not surprisingly, the reporter chose not to balance her piece by citing any of those columns.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eric Lach is a reporter for TPM. From 2010 to 2011, he was a news writer in charge of the website?s front page. He has previously written for The Daily, NewYorker.com, GlobalPost and other publications. He can be reached at ericl@talkingpointsmemo.com